Nikola Jokic scored 53 factors in Recreation 4 and the Denver Nuggets nonetheless misplaced, so he determined to perform a little little bit of every thing Recreation 5. And his efficiency paid dividends.
Jokic was as soon as once more the very best participant on the court docket in Denver’s decisive 118-102 win over the Phoenix Suns. The 2-time MVP had a game-high 29 factors, 13 rebounds and 12 assists to document his tenth profession playoff triple-double. He surpassed the late Corridor of Famer Wilt Chamberlain for essentially the most playoff triple-doubles for a middle.
Jokic received no matter he needed on Tuesday as he led each groups in factors, rebounds and assists. His MVP-type efficiency helped the Nuggets take a 3-2 benefit within the best-of-seven.
“Nikola by no means forces something. He’s a man that actually will simply learn the sport and take what the sport presents. This sequence everyone seems to be speaking about Devin Booker, and rightfully so. The performances he’s placed on within the first spherical in opposition to the Clippers and in opposition to us have been spectacular. However generally we perhaps take Nikola Jokic with no consideration. What he’s doing is simply unbelievable,” Nuggets coach Mike Malone mentioned to reporters. “He makes everybody round him higher. He by no means will get rattled. Cool Hand Luke. We’re so grateful that he’s a Denver Nugget.”
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Jokic scored 17 factors, had three rebounds and three assists within the third quarter to assist the Nuggets outscore the Suns 39-25.
“He performs at his personal tempo. However he simply makes the sport easy for everybody. He can cross the ball. When he desires to attain and be aggressive, he can. However he makes the fitting play each time,” Nuggets guard Bruce Brown mentioned of Jokic on NBA TV. “He sees the play earlier than it occurs.”
Jokic and the Nuggets now have an opportunity to ship Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and the Suns residence Thursday in Recreation 6. The house group has received each recreation within the back-and-forth sequence, but when Jokic controls the competition like he did on Tuesday, the Nuggets ought to be in wonderful place to advance to the Western Convention Finals.
“I identical to to win the sport, so no matter it takes,” Jokic mentioned.
It’d take one other triple-double efficiency for Jokic.
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Observe USA TODAY Sports activities’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.
